A WONDROUS "WIZ": Choreographer Katherine Jones, seated left, was joined onstage by the stars of Iolani School's "The Wiz" and director Rob Duval Feb. 29 at Hawaii Theatre. Jana Souza (Dorothy) brought a strong voice and assured stage presence to the role of L. Frank Baum's plucky heroine; Trent Nakamura (Tin Man), left, Stephen Toyofuku (Scarecrow) and Jonathan Lee (Lion) were big hits with the enthusiastic audience. Duval's direction and Jones' choreography were also key to the overall success of the show.

FEDERSPIEL OPENS AT CHE PASTA: Keanu Bruner and Patrice Federspiel co-hosted the opening of her exhibition at Cafe Che Pasta. Federspiel says her objective as an artist is "painting the essence of living aloha." Her "ARTini" series, whimsical representations of tropical-theme drinks in martini glasses, got a lot of attention at the party (see www.artofaloha.com).

FUNDRAISER FILLS HANK'S PLACE: Laurie Tanoura, left, Brad Powell and Frankie Enos welcomed theater supporters Joseph Rothstein and Ann Yoklavich to the Actors Group fundraiser at Hank's Place. TAG had asked bar owner Hank Taufa'asau for the use of his Dragon Upstairs bar, but so many people wanted to buy tickets that he let them have Hank's Place, his street-level bar, as well.

A "BEAUTIFUL" NIGHT AT CHAI'S: Contemporary body-paint artist Newkon, center, shared some aloha with Alicia Lawrence, left, and Francheska Lucas at Russell Tanoue's "Beautiful" party at Chai's Island Bistro. Newkon introduced Lucas as one of his favorite models. She was also the star of a lingerie fashion show by Sensually Yours later in the evening.

International boxing legend Jesus Salud, second from left, enjoyed "Beautiful" with Ivan Seguanica, left, Doug Esteban, Maria Lucas and her husband, Paul Lucas, who is an old-time stable mate of Salud's and a former sparring partner. Looking back at his career as a world champion boxer, Salud said, "I wasn't the greatest but I was hard to beat!"